Island, Thailand
Phuket for solo travelers
Is Phuket good for solo travel?
Thailand's biggest island suits beach-and-dive trips and long stays in Rawai or the Old Town, with good hospitals and an international airport. Taxis are pricey, roads risky and Patong loud.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks in Patong, avoid empty beaches after dark and pick app taxis over street drivers at night. |
How to meet people in Phuket
Muay Thai and fitness camps in Chalong and Rawai, dive and liveaboard trips, social hostels in Patong and Old Town, and nomad meetups in Rawai.
Good things to do alone
- Old Town's Sunday walking street (Lard Yai)
- Train at a Muay Thai camp in Chalong
- Watch sunset from Promthep Cape
- Day dive trip to the Racha Islands
- Climb to the Big Buddha viewpoint
Where to stay in Phuket
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Phuket Old Town | Culture, food and cheaper long stays away from beaches |
| Rawai–Nai Harn | Expats, Muay Thai camps and quieter southern beaches |
| Kata–Karon | Beach stays, monsoon surfing, mid-range hotels |
| Patong | Nightlife and parties; loud and touristy |
| Kamala | Quieter beach with easy access to Patong |
Solo travel across Thailand
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Chiang Mai | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Phuket | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Krabi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phangan | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Tao | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Chiang Rai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Railay | 4/5 | Widely spoken |
| Kanchanaburi | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Chang | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Lak | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Sok | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sukhothai | 4/5 | Limited |
| Kata Beach | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Rawai | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samui | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Phi Phi | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pattaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Patong | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hua Hin | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Ayutthaya | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lanta | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Samet | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Lipe | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Khao Yai | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Hat Yai | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jomtien | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Udon Thani | 3/5 | Limited |
| Koh Kood | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Phuket good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Thailand's biggest island suits beach-and-dive trips and long stays in Rawai or the Old Town, with good hospitals and an international airport.
How do you meet people in Phuket?
Muay Thai and fitness camps in Chalong and Rawai, dive and liveaboard trips, social hostels in Patong and Old Town, and nomad meetups in Rawai. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Phuket?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Phuket safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Watch drinks in Patong, avoid empty beaches after dark and pick app taxis over street drivers at night.
More about Phuket
Going to Phuket solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Phuket meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Phuket Smart Bus
- Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bolt Phuket
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.